Fidel Castro passed away at age 90.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

why ?

Do I really need to explain? I'll give you a hint. He's about to make a man Vice President who opposes gay marriage and has for a long time.

Plus several other reasons, it's insulting that someone would compare the two and pretend Trump isn't a scumbag.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Do I really need to explain? I'll give you a hint. He's about to make a man Vice President who opposes gay marriage and has for a long time.

Plus several other reasons, it's insulting that someone would compare the two and pretend Trump isn't a scumbag.

Many in the GOP opposed gay marriage, some are coming around just like society has but Trump himself as far as I know never did oppose it, to sentence Trump on human rights violations before he even takes office seems shallow to me.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Many in the GOP opposed gay marriage, some are coming around just like society has but Trump himself as far as I know never did oppose it, to sentence Trump on human rights violations before he even takes office seems shallow to me.

How about when he didn't rent to Blacks? ....it's only shallow when you don't agree right? Trump is a scumbag racist who is also a sexist and sexually assaults and harasses women. And this is who some people look up to and defend. That's pretty sad.

Fidel wasn't perfect, neither is Trudeau, and neither is Donald Trump so please don't pretend he is a human rights champion.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Do I really need to explain? I'll give you a hint. He's about to make a man Vice President who opposes gay marriage and has for a long time.

Plus several other reasons, it's insulting that someone would compare the two and pretend Trump isn't a scumbag.

I am all for equal rights, but I am so ####ing sick of marriage being referred to as a human right. Marriage is a privilege that people of all sexual orientations should have, but is is certainly not a human rights issue.

[FlamesAddiction]

It's also worth mentioning that the presidents of Spain and Mexico, plus the Vatican issued similar statements to Trudeau. Those 3 and Canada are basically political bridges to Cuba as as such, are saying things to extend an olive branch.

Mexico is their largest neighbour next to the U.S., shares a language and is home to a large Cuban diaspora.

Spain in their colonial parent country and shares a language and history.

The Vatican is the religious leader for most of the population of Cuba and facilitated recent talks between the U.S. and Cuba.

Canada has in the past, acted as a broker between the U.S. and Cuba.


It's in no one's best interest for any of those four to push Cuba away keeping in mind that it is still a Castro in power there.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

It's also worth mentioning that the presidents of Spain and Mexico, plus the Vatican issued similar statements to Trudeau. Those 3 and Canada are basically political bridges to Cuba as as such, are saying things to extend an olive branch.

Mexico is their largest neighbour next to the U.S., shares a language and is home to a large Cuban diaspora.

Spain in their colonial parent country and shares a language and history.

The Vatican is the religious leader for most of the population of Cuba and facilitated recent talks between the U.S. and Cuba.

Canada has in the past, acted as a broker between the U.S. and Cuba.

It's in no one's best interest for any of those four to push Cuba away keeping in mind that it is still a Castro in power there.

This is exactly how I see it, with Raul in power it only makes sense to protect diplomatic relations with Cuba.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

It's also worth mentioning that the presidents of Spain and Mexico, plus the Vatican issued similar statements to Trudeau. Those 3 and Canada are basically political bridges to Cuba as as such, are saying things to extend an olive branch.

Mexico is their largest neighbour next to the U.S., shares a language and is home to a large Cuban diaspora.

Spain in their colonial parent country and shares a language and history.

The Vatican is the religious leader for most of the population of Cuba and facilitated recent talks between the U.S. and Cuba.

Canada has in the past, acted as a broker between the U.S. and Cuba.


It's in no one's best interest for any of those four to push Cuba away keeping in mind that it is still a Castro in power there.

No one is saying "push them away" at all.

But what Trudeau said "on behalf of all Canadians" is nothing short of absurd.

"A legendary revolutionary" and "a remarkable leader"? No..not in any way, shape or form. It's little wonder many are upset by this.

Trudeau is hearing it from all sides of the political spectrum and from around the world for this...as he should. It was a stupid statement from a neophyte statesman and its showing.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Do I really need to explain? I'll give you a hint. He's about to make a man Vice President who opposes gay marriage and has for a long time.

Plus several other reasons, it's insulting that someone would compare the two and pretend Trump isn't a scumbag.

Be that as it may, even a broken clock is right twice a day. Regardless of my overall opinion of Trump (it's not positive, in case that isn't abundantly clear), I can't disagree with his statement on this topic. The next thing out of his mouth on a different topic, I might vehemently disagree with. But I don't expect them to be mutually supportive, I don't need one to be predictive of his opinion on the other, and I don't need them to be to recognize a viewpoint with merit when I see or hear one, even if it comes from someone who I find little common ground with otherwise.

We need to approach subjects individually, instead of automatically discounting everything someone says because you dislike a different facet (many, even) of their viewpoints or behaviors. When you make it all or nothing, you lose potentially useful allies because they can't possibly have a valid opinion on one thing if they're wrong on another. You quell open and honest discussion, and instead break everyone into little teams of "you think X, we think Y, so you're stupid and piss off". This is how you get Trump in the first place.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

It's politics. Other leaders have made similar statements.

Canada is in a unique position to keep playing peace maker between Cuba and the U.S., especially with anti-Cuba Trump coming to power. Let's not forget that Castro is still widely popular among many Cubans and his family is still in power. Alienating the regime further probably serves no greater good.

I don't disagree, but it just seems silly to hail the guy as a hero. He was a dictator. Trudeau could have made a benign statement without alienating anybody.

He could have, at the very least, mentioned that Ted Cruz's dad had something to do with Castro's death, as is befitting a world leader, and not a drama teacher.

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

Is it ironic or apropos that Castro died on Black Friday?

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I don't disagree, but it just seems silly to hail the guy as a hero. He was a dictator. Trudeau could have made a benign statement without alienating anybody.

That's my opinion on it as well. Extend condolences, don't blow smoke, move on.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by transplant99

No one is saying "push them away" at all.

But what Trudeau said "on behalf of all Canadians" is nothing short of absurd.

"A legendary revolutionary" and "a remarkable leader"? No..not in any way, shape or form. It's little wonder many are upset by this.

Trudeau is hearing it from all sides of the political spectrum and from around the world for this...as he should. It was a stupid statement from a neophyte statesman and its showing.

It's always on behalf of all Canadians though. That's what the PM does. When the Saudi king died (Abdullah) the PM issued a statement on behalf of all Canadians. That regime was extremely oppressive and there are many human rights concerns there. I'm sure that a lot of people didn't feel like that represented their personal opinions. That's what the PM does though; they're a figurehead for the nation.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Slava

It's always on behalf of all Canadians though. That's what the PM does. When the Saudi king died (Abdullah) the PM issued a statement on behalf of all Canadians. That regime was extremely oppressive and there are many human rights concerns there. I'm sure that a lot of people didn't feel like that represented their personal opinions. That's what the PM does though; they're a figurehead for the nation.

So go ahead and issue a statement then. No need to make the guy out to be some sort of Saint. He wasn't. This was JT espousing HIS feelings towards a guy the majority of Canadians would describe ad a monster.

The whole blowing smoke up Castro ass is the problem...not speaking as PM.

[CaramonLS]

Trudeau should have just written a politically neutral statement, Thoughts with the Castro family, Cuban people, hope for the future, etc.

No need to ballwash a murdering dictator.

[Slava]

Yeah I don't have really strong feelings on it. It just seemed odd to quote the "on behalf of Canadians" as though it was an issue.

[dirk diggler]

maybe the rest of the world will now realize what an embarassment prime minister zoolander really is

[jayswin]

Can we ease up on the "drama teacher" description of our prime minister on CP? That's not coming from a supporter, that's coming from someone who doesn't want to feel like he's reading the Calgary Sun comments section from the 60-90 year old white conservatives crowd.

-Junior
-drama teacher
-aspiring model

It all just comes off really juvenile and reflects more on the person saying it than the prime minister, imo.

*Apologies to Pepsifree for more of "my schtik" posting.

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Can we ease up on the "drama teacher" description of our prime minister on CP? That's not coming from a supporter, that's coming from someone who doesn't want to feel like he's reading the Calgary Sun comments section from the 60-90 year old white conservatives crowd.

-Junior
-drama teacher
-aspiring model

It all just comes off really juvenile and reflects more on the person saying it than the prime minister, imo.

he is what he is and the drama teacher remarks are accurate, the guy spends all his time travelling around taking photo op's while doing nothing to help canadians... but dont let the facts get in the way.

[FlamesAddiction]

Other world leaders have said similar things.

India:

Heartfelt condolences on sad demise of Cuba's revolutionary leader, former President & friend of India, Fidel Castro #PresidentMukherjee

Spain:

A statement from the Spanish government hailed Castro as "a figure of enormous historical importance" as a small crowd of both pro- and anti-Castro supporters met in front of the Cuban embassy in Madrid.

"As a son of Spaniards, former president Castro always maintained close relations with Spain and showed great affection for his family and cultural ties. For this reason Spain especially shares the grief of Cuba's government and authorities," the government statement said.

European Union:

EU Leader Jean-Claude Juncker responded emotionally, tweeting "with the death of #FidelCastro, the world has lost a man who was a hero for many."

Mexico:

Fidel Castro fue un amigo de México, promotor de una relación bilateral basada en el respeto, el diálogo y la solidaridad.

The Vatican:

Pope Francis offered "my sense of grief to your excellency and family" in a telegram to Raul Castro. In a sign of his personal esteem, the Pope signed the telegram, breaking from the Vatican's usual practice of having the secretary of state send such messages. Francis met Castro during the papal visit to Cuba in September 2015.

France:

Francois Hollande, the president of France, issued a statement, saying in part: "Fidel Castro was a major figure of the XXth century. He embodied the Cuban revolution, in the hopes it aroused and the disappointments it provoked. Actor of the Cold War, he represented a period of history that ended with the fall of the Soviet Union. He represented, for Cubans, pride in rejecting external domination."

South Africa:

South African President Jacob Zuma had warm words, thanking the Cuban leader for his help and support in the struggle to overthrow apartheid. "President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid. He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle. As a way of paying homage to the memory of President Castro, the strong bonds of solidarity, cooperation and friendship that exist between South Africa and Cuba must be maintained and nurtured."

Bolivia:

In Bolivia, where Ernesto "Che" Guevara died in 1967 in a failed bid to export Cuba's revolution, President Evo Morales said in a statement: "Fidel Castro left us a legacy of having fought for the integration of the world's peoples ... The departure of Comandante Fidel Castro really hurts."

Ecuador:

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa said: "A great has left us. Fidel has died. Long live Cuba! Long live Latin America!"

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Do I really need to explain? I'll give you a hint. He's about to make a man Vice President who opposes gay marriage and has for a long time.

Plus several other reasons, it's insulting that someone would compare the two and pretend Trump isn't a scumbag.

Ya. Good call. This is the kind of false equivalency that is ruining any sort of reasonable dialogue.

Here's a hint. Trump/Pence haven't even proposed anything remotely as bad as what Castro actually did. But hey keep rocking that Che TShirt Brah.